Alright boyz 'n' girlz... NCAA 2010 impressions thread

[Kodos]

It's getting mostly good impressions so far over at OS.

Official NCAA Football 10 Demo Impressions - Operation Sports Forums (http://www.operationsports.com/forums/ncaa-football/326981-official-ncaa-football-10-demo-impressions-1.html)

[Kodos]

Played one quick game on the second highest level. There seems to be more of a pass rush. Controls seem a bit more responsive. There was a weird thing a couple times in the hurryup offense where Oklahoma got a first down, the ball was spotted, the playclock was running, but the game clock wasn't. After these long pauses, the QB would spike the ball. Odd.

Overall, it seemed like somewhat of an improvement over '09.

[wade moore]

The bugs you and others are seeing worry me most. I don't get the impression that demos are supposed to be pre-release versions, just limited features on the final release.

[Atocep]

The bugs you and others are seeing worry me most. I don't get the impression that demos are supposed to be pre-release versions, just limited features on the final release.

The demo last year was from a build that was a couple months old, IIRC. The certification process to get a demo up makes it nearly impossible for them to get a final build released.

[Kodos]

Also, as someone mentioned in the OS thread, too many twirl-the-player around tackles.

[Kodos]

Also, Tebow is a beast running the ball. I can see why everyone plays with Florida online.

[wade moore]

The demo last year was from a build that was a couple months old, IIRC. The certification process to get a demo up makes it nearly impossible for them to get a final build released.

Seems like an odd choice, but I guess it makes sense.

[Galaxy]

I'm suprised they aren't charging you for it.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Do they charge you $1.80 to see your own playbook?

[Kodos]

No, but if you want passing plays activated, there is a nominal fee of $5.

[sterlingice]

Do they charge you $1.80 to see your own playbook?

No, but if you want passing plays activated, there is a nominal fee of $5.

Nice :D

Krusty: Bart, there's two seconds left. Now listen up. It's your basic Statue of Liberty play with one twist: you throw it to me! Knute Rockne called it the forward pass.

SI

[PurdueBrad]

This is the first time that I played the demo and came away with a kind of, "that's it" feeling. I've been solidly NCAA over Madden the last four years (and always bought both prior to that) but I might go back to Madden this year simply because they seem to be the more forward thinking of the two development teams.

[cartman]

One thing I've definitely noticed is a welcoming lack of Pick 6s. I haven't seen one yet.

[fantom1979]

Did this come free with Tiger Woods Ultra Fancy Shiny Box edition?

[DeToxRox]

Played on Heisman, and yeah, I know it's a demo but it's pretty bad. I love the NCAA series and I'll still contemplate getting it but there is still no pass rush and apparently sliders are broken and will be patched. That is just abysmal.

There really isn't anything about this game that screams must get and for once I might just get Madden which I have not bought since 2005 or 2006.

But yeah this game just seemed too easy and if sliders are broken it's gonna be a long painful ride.

[Pumpy Tudors]

I'm planning to download the demo, but I'm waiting until an hour before the game comes out before I do it.

Yeah, that's a halfhearted joke about my multiplayer experience in NCAA 09. Stick around and I'll also start joking about Colin White, my lack of dancing ability, and the size of my penis. I hate myself.

[Celeval]

No, but if you want passing plays activated, there is a nominal fee of $5.

Yet another benefit of being a Georgia Tech fan!

[Radii]

haha nicely done Celeval. Option FTW!!

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm actually impressed with the demo:

- Adaptive AI seems to be in the demo and working well. I ran several plays inside and they started stacking 8 men in the box and shutting down my running game.

- Speed differential is night and day from 09. I don't think 99 speed is going to equal instant domination anymore.

- Pass coverage is better.

- It's more difficult (still not difficult enough) to scramble with QB's.

Edit to add: The biggest negative for me is not still not enough pass rush.


That being said, I still think I'll pass because I think Madden is going to be better and with so many other good games out there, I only have time for 1 console football game this year.

[Icy]

Not having heard anything new about the campus legend mode, i think i'll pass this year as that mode was the one that kept the game interesting for me.

[ColtCrazy]

I never seem to have a problem watching Netflix or playing online, but my 360 refused to download this at a reasonable pace. :mad:

[Noop]

This maybe the first time in a long time I take a pass on NCAA for Madden. The amount of bugs coupled with the lack of any significant features makes this a rental at best. Hopefully Madden will be good this year so I can have some kind of football to play this year.

[JetsIn06]

Not having heard anything new about the campus legend mode, i think i'll pass this year as that mode was the one that kept the game interesting for me.

All I know is that they changed the name of it to "Road to Glory"

[Emiliano]

Still undecided about this.

Yeah, the game feels very similar to last year (seems like the 07->08 transition on old-gen, where they added almost anything) but, I admit it, the hype machine is getting to me. In the end, this is the main reason I bought a PS3: playing NCAA. Sadly, I've used it more as a DVD/Blu Ray player than as a gaming device so far. I don't know exactly why, but console gaming is getting less and less interesting, for me. Except for a couple of games online with my buddy Icy, I haven't exactly enjoyed 09. Played a couple of seasons in dynasty, gave up. Head Coach/Madden 09, played even less. I still have the 2K8 basketball series games, untouched. The games I've played the most are NBA Street Homecourt, and recently WWE Legends of Wrestlemania, two arcade games, and that says something.

I'm certainly looking forward to Fight Night 4, for example, but I'm also kinda sick to shell out another 50 € after The Sims 3 fiasco (game is still slow for me, and it seems there won't be a patch in the short time).

Assuming that the only chance I get to try the game is buying it (I'd have rented it, but NCAA doesn't get sold in Europe), what do you guys suggest? Do I buy this, hoping that it reinvigorates my interest in console gaming, or do I go back to FOF ... forever??? :)

[RainMaker]

I'd stick with FOF. Outside of The Show, my sports gaming is almost exclusively on the computer in text based sims. The good games have been pushed out of the industry and there are just too many companies pumping the same shit out every year.

[CraigSca]

Reports are coming out that the sliders don't work AGAIN and that a patch will be available to make them effective. Hilarious.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Reports are coming out that the sliders don't work AGAIN and that a patch will be available to make them effective. Hilarious.

The Nut and the Feisty Weasel: Wow. Really. Just...wow (http://nutweasel.blogspot.com/2009/06/surely-this-isnot-true.html)

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Wow. Really. Just...wow

I'll do some poking around later but Dan Spezzano, crotchety sports gamer and blog reader, told me via DSP, "According to the devs over at OS the sliders do not work and will be fixed in a patch."

He's referring to NCAA 10.

I have nothing more to add, really.

[Phototropic]

Put me in the camp of not seeing much to warrant a purchase. I'll look at Madden if I get a football game this year which will be the first time I've not played NCAA since 2006.

[Balldog]

EA needs to clean house or revamp the way they run things....maybe both. This seems like a complete system breakdown...no lessons learned applied at all.

On a recent poll at OS, in the NCAA Football board.

Will you buy NCAA '10?
Yes, New - 36.45%
Yes, Used - 9.79%
No - 53.76%

So on a forum for your game, less than 50% plan to buy your game. That's not good.

[whomario]

There´s still no possibility of playing american games on a European 360, is there ?

[Emiliano]

There´s still no possibility of playing american games on a European 360, is there ?

Nope. Unless they're region-free, and NCAA Football is not.

[whomario]

Of course it isn´t ... But hey, there could be a publisher found for the first time ever ! :banghead: Burn Microsoft, burn ...

Used to play theese games (College Hoops as well) all the time on my PS2 (there were easy methods there) as a big time fan of College sports ...

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

No punches pulled by Bill Harris in his impressions thread. Harsh words for the graphics and pursuit angles.

Dubious Quality: NCAA Football 10 (360): Demo Impressions (http://dubiousquality.blogspot.com/2009/06/ncaa-football-10-360-demo-impressions.html)

[ColtCrazy]

Found a thread with team grades. Don't know if they are legit, but they are some questionable grades.

http://forum.ea.com/eaforum/posts/list/243737.page

[MizzouRah]

I like the demo quite a bit.. but I also thought 09 was my favorite NCAA football to date.

Game feels like NCAA 09.5 and that's fine with me. Not $60 worth, but with NCAA fb, I'm not good at waiting on a price drop either. I'll trade in a few old games I have and get it ordered.

I really like the player lock feature and passing seems a lot more challenging.

[MizzouRah]

Tomorrow is the day!

I have read some favorable impressions over at OS.. so I guess I'll see...

[Ajaxab]

I'll be picking this one up. Haven't bought an NCAA football game since '07. I'm hoping Teambuilder works as advertised. Early returns seems favorable.

[chinaski]

Im guessing theres no PC version? *cries*

[Logan]

I'll be picking this one up. Haven't bought an NCAA football game since '07. I'm hoping Teambuilder works as advertised. Early returns seems favorable.

On the opposite side...for the first time in years, I have no urge at all to buy this, and this is coming off loving 09.

[ColtCrazy]

I'll be getting this one. I loved 09 (with some exceptions) and if 10 is just tweaked some, I'll be okay with that. I'm really hoping that the NCAA/Madden combo this year is good enough for me to skip 11. I'd really rather renew the games every other year. I just hated Madden 09 too much.

Oddly enough, I preordered through GS, and won't get it till tomorrow afternoon. Our Wal-Mart NEVER gets stuff in and I found out today they'll have them at midnight. Figures.

[Ksyrup]

My birthday is coming up in a month, so if this gets some decent feedback, I'll have the kids get it for me.

[cartman]

I'm heading out of town for a week, starting tomorrow night. I'll pick it up when I get back.

[illinifan999]

I'll be picking this one up. Haven't bought an NCAA football game since '07. I'm hoping Teambuilder works as advertised. Early returns seems favorable.

Just an FYI, if you are using a custom logo for your TB team, you MUST be connected to the internet any time you play in order for the logo to display. If you are not connected to XBL, the custom logo will be the EA Sports logo.

[Eaglesfan27]

If the good feedback keeps coming, I'll pick this up used, but I refuse to support EA's effort on this game. For those who are picking it up early, here is some good info about updated rosters (and the first patch) from EA (via a main developer on OS.):

Hey guys, updated rosters can be found in the following locations:

PS3 - EA_CS
Xbox 360 - EASCncaa10

Both are live now, we should have some information on the patch tomorrow. The patch is really only awaiting final approvals and hopefully will be out soon.


Edit: Apparently, there are issues with downloading either file (they won't download properly.) It's a known issue that is still being worked on.

[rowech]

i thought early on this game was getting panned quite a bit....now it seems everybody is loving it?

[JonInMiddleGA]

i thought early on this game was getting panned quite a bit....now it seems everybody is loving it?

I was kind of wondering the same thing ... "loving" might be a little stronger than I would have described it but for some reason I get a more positive vibe suddenly as well.

Considering our pre-order is sitting at GameStop ready to be picked up, I'm extremely curious about the shifting wind myself.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

i thought early on this game was getting panned quite a bit....now it seems everybody is loving it?

Overall feedback has been negative thus far. I'm sure you can pick bits and pieces overall, but buyer beware of this debacle. I'm considering buying Madden 10 at some point, which is saying something. I wouldn't touch this game unless the price was right (i.e. free).

The preorders for this game were so low that most Gamestop locations that held midnight releases last year have chosen not to do so this year. That's a very ominous sign.

[illinifan999]

Overall feedback has been negative thus far. I'm sure you can pick bits and pieces overall, but buyer beware of this debacle. I'm considering buying Madden 10 at some point, which is saying something. I wouldn't touch this game unless the price was right (i.e. free).

The preorders for this game were so low that most Gamestop locations that held midnight releases last year have chosen not to do so this year. That's a very ominous sign.

Funny, seems most people seem to like it this year.

[panerd]

I like the demo quite a bit.. but I also thought 09 was my favorite NCAA football to date.


Unfortunately though I think we both suffer from the same bias. I used to love the Chiefs in Super Tecmo Bowl also. :)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Funny, seems most people seem to like it this year.

Really? The main three people that I trust for sports game reviews (Bill Abner, Bill Harris, and Pastapadre) have all been negative overall with Pasta being the only one moving even close to a neutral feel. Perhaps you have some reviews that indicate otherwise?

The impressions thread over at OS has been mixed at best. Warts usually take a day or two to come out. The fact that many of the problems with last year's game are already being reported in this year's game is a dead giveaway that the early concerns of most people have been realized.

[Eaglesfan27]

Really? The main three people that I trust for sports game reviews (Bill Abner, Bill Harris, and Pastapadre) have all been negative overall with Pasta being the only one moving even close to a neutral feel. Perhaps you have some reviews that indicate otherwise?

The impressions thread over at OS has been mixed at best. Warts usually take a day or two to come out. The fact that many of the problems with last year's game are already being reported in this year's game is a dead giveaway that the early concerns of most people have been realized.


The impressions over at OS have been overwhelmingly positive with most people saying the only problem is a weak pass rush. There is a thread with almost two thousand posts already and the vast majority are positive posts. However, I agree with you that it will take time for the warts to come out which is why I won't pick it up until next week at the earliest if I get it at all. That should give some time for some used copies to be available at Gamestop.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola -

Bill Abner hasn't even commented yet on the game, at least in public. I don't see anything published for Bill Harris either, but maybe I'm not looking at the right place.

Also, EA has gotten the rosters fixed. Here are the gamer tags to download them (still not named, but not missing as many players.):

**UPDATE PS3**

Hey guys, updated rosters can be found in the following locations:

**PS3 - eascncaa10
Xbox 360 - EASCncaa10

[Eaglesfan27]

Double Dola -

Here is a fairly lengthy official review on OS that at least on the surface appears to be balanced:

NCAA Football 10 Review (PS3) - Operation Sports (http://www.operationsports.com/review.php?id=493)

[bhlloy]

Very disappointed if the weak pass rush is true. Really, they couldn't fix it for another year running after all the comments that it was fixed?

But on the whole if that's the worst thing wrong with the game, then I'll still pick it up in a couple of weeks.

Anyone who has it/has read a lot of reviews know if they fixed the godlike speed (guys with 95+ speed basically being untouchable)? If they fixed that I can live with the pass rush. If not, that's even more disappointing to me personally.

[Tigercat]

I would be fine with the pass rush still being weak if they finally improved the basics of passing. (Your QB can over/underthrow it into the turf or out of bounds more, without every ball being played on by your WR, a CB, or superman playing LB.)

[Balldog]

From the OS review: "The game is fun to play when you are playing pigskin, if you can stomach the fact the game doesn't capture college football all that well."

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

However, I agree with you that it will take time for the warts to come out which is why I won't pick it up until next week at the earliest if I get it at all. That should give some time for some used copies to be available at Gamestop.

And that's what you should do if you're one of those people that just has to have it because it's the only college football game, regardless of quality. Buy it used and you can get your fix while hitting EA in its pocketbook for the lack of quality in this series.

[Kodos]

I saw Mike1409 playing it last night. Any FOFC impressions?

[TroyF]

Dola -

Bill Abner hasn't even commented yet on the game, at least in public. I don't see anything published for Bill Harris either, but maybe I'm not looking at the right place.

Also, EA has gotten the rosters fixed. Here are the gamer tags to download them (still not named, but not missing as many players.):

**UPDATE PS3**

Hey guys, updated rosters can be found in the following locations:

**PS3 - eascncaa10
Xbox 360 - EASCncaa10

No, you are looking in the right places. He's talking out of his rear again. All those guys have done is either talk about the demo or mention how (un)excited for the game they are. No impressions of the final copy.

I haven't bought it and probably won't. I like pro football better and plan on going that route. I gave up even checking out his posts a long time ago, especially concerning EA.

[kcchief19]

Bill Harris did trash the demo pretty good, which doesn't bode well for the final version. I don't recall see anything in his demo bash that seemed like the full version would change his mind.

I've typically really enjoyed this franchise and it's without a doubt my favorite EA game. But the bugs in 09 combined with my experience with the demo makes this a miss for me. Not to mention the RROD I just got ... ugh.

[aran]

Wow. I guess the lack of "Alright boyz etc" is a sign of the potential weakness and lack of excitement about this title?

[TroyF]

Bill Harris did trash the demo pretty good, which doesn't bode well for the final version. I don't recall see anything in his demo bash that seemed like the full version would change his mind.

I've typically really enjoyed this franchise and it's without a doubt my favorite EA game. But the bugs in 09 combined with my experience with the demo makes this a miss for me. Not to mention the RROD I just got ... ugh.

everyone trashed the demo. or nearly everyone. The initial returns have been positive on the final copy for a lot of people. I don't think that holds. But saying the Bill's have given their input or even giving the impression that they have is way off base.

[Kodos]

Wow. I guess the lack of "Alright boyz etc" is a sign of the potential weakness and lack of excitement about this title?

Enthusiasm added.

[MizzouRah]

Really? The main three people that I trust for sports game reviews (Bill Abner, Bill Harris, and Pastapadre) have all been negative overall with Pasta being the only one moving even close to a neutral feel. Perhaps you have some reviews that indicate otherwise?

The impressions thread over at OS has been mixed at best. Warts usually take a day or two to come out. The fact that many of the problems with last year's game are already being reported in this year's game is a dead giveaway that the early concerns of most people have been realized.

Here we go.. every freaking EA release.... :banghead:

[MizzouRah]

I'll hopefully get a game in tonight with Mizzou on AA defaults.

[aran]

Enthusiasm added.

I still imagine the thread title being read in a voice blander than Ben Stein's.

[Kodos]

Is it because I left off exclamation marks?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Here we go.. every freaking EA release of an unfinished game.... :banghead:

Fixed.

At least make an honest statement if you're going to make it. I have both Tiger Woods 10 and Fight Night 4 and have spoke well of both games in those threads. I've also already said I'm considering a Madden purchase for the first time in a long time. That's far from the universal hatred you'd like to portray. Don't blame me that they've put out games lacking quality in recent years.

[CleBrownsfan]

Why don't we just keep to the impressions of v10 and stop the bickering - you little bitches ;)

[Young Drachma]

Teambuilder did it for me, but I will be curious to hear impressions, as I think I might get it this weekend...

[sterlingice]

Enthusiasm added.

Wait, we have girlz here? ;)

SI

[RainMaker]

The impressions over at OS have been overwhelmingly positive with most people saying the only problem is a weak pass rush. There is a thread with almost two thousand posts already and the vast majority are positive posts. However, I agree with you that it will take time for the warts to come out which is why I won't pick it up until next week at the earliest if I get it at all. That should give some time for some used copies to be available at Gamestop.
I used to go a lot by the impressions there but not much anymore. Seems they have been more mod heavy on criticisms of games where developers participate on the boards. Most negative threads are either moved to one big one or just closed. The old days you'd be able to get a good feel for the community's reaction just by looking at the forum for 2 minutes.

I'm passing on this and probably going with Madden. Usually it's the other way around but it doesn't feel like much has changed with NCAA while Madden is getting a pretty big overhaul.

[SirFozzie]

The gamestop pre-order bonus was 25 TeamCreator slots instead of the normal 12.

[aran]

Madden getting an overhaul probably is just an excuse to have more of the game broken at release because they need more time to "work out the kinks".

[SirFozzie]

Here's the Bill Abner quick hit review:

The Nut and the Feisty Weasel: NCAA 10 Early Thoughts (http://nutweasel.blogspot.com/2009/07/ncaa-10-early-thoughts.html)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Couple of bugs I saw over in the OS threads that were reported in LAST year's bug thread. Do they even bother to get feedback on this game?

I had a great punt that landed inside my opponents 10 yard line and was downed. I was excited because i pinned them deep with only 15 seconds to go before half. Then they come out of the huddle on MY 45 YARD LINE....WHERE I PUNTED THE BALL FROM???? Come on thats gonna cost someone a game.

1. Punt a ball that doesn't land in bounds but crosses the sideline before the goal line.

Bug: Game registers the punt as crossing the goal line and being a touch back.

Frequency: Every time I have had a good punt.

This is ruining my special teams play.

[gstelmack]

Yes, that's exactly the same because your 45-yard-line = their 20-yard-line. One is a touchback bug, the other is something else entirely.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Yes, that's exactly the same because your 45-yard-line = their 20-yard-line. One is a touchback bug, the other is something else entirely.

:confused:

Ummmm, I used the word 'bugs', hence the citation of two unrelated bugs. Just because they're both punting bugs doesn't mean they're related.

[gstelmack]

Oh, sorry, missed that. I thought you were posting last year's report and this year's report. Did not realise BOTH bugs were present in both years. My bad.

[Ajaxab]

The gamestop pre-order bonus was 25 TeamCreator slots instead of the normal 12.

I was a bit disappointed to learn that one can only use 12 slots at a time whether they have the original 12, the extra 13 with the pre-order bonus, or if they buy the massive amount of slots that can be purchased as DLC (I think it's 120). It would have been nice to be able to have the option of getting two conferences swapped out instead of one. No ditching the Sun Belt and the MAC. It's one or the other.

[tarcone]

Too bad it doesnt go on the DS.

[MizzouRah]

Fixed.

At least make an honest statement if you're going to make it. I have both Tiger Woods 10 and Fight Night 4 and have spoke well of both games in those threads. I've also already said I'm considering a Madden purchase for the first time in a long time. That's far from the universal hatred you'd like to portray. Don't blame me that they've put out games lacking quality in recent years.

I think I'm to the point I just need to skip over your posts in game related threads. The game just came out today and already you're just posting all the crap wrong with the game you can find.

Oh well...

[DeToxRox]

My girlfriend bought this for me today, so I'll have impressions soon.

[Sun Tzu]

what system dex?

[Sun Tzu]

dola

was it wrapped together, or separate from the penis pump?

[DeToxRox]

dola

was it wrapped together, or separate from the penis pump?

Neither. Bundled with the Strap On, obv.

And 360, butt plug.

[gstelmack]

I think I'm to the point I just need to skip over your posts in game related threads. The game just came out today and already you're just posting all the crap wrong with the game you can find.

Oh well...

Just remember that all the folks who are STILL playing in the NCAA 09 dynasties are not having any fun because that game was horribly broken and impossible to have fun with...

[DeToxRox]

Just because I was toying around with dynasty I figure I'll take this chance to post some stats in a second to see how the sim aspect is this season, then I'll do a game.

[Bobble]

Neither. Bundled with the Strap On, obv.

And 360, butt plug.

You have a butt plug for the 360? That HAD to be made by EA...

[illinifan999]

Played a few games after having not gotten NCAA 09. I'm having a blast. Teambuilder teams look great, and gameplay is fun. I'm averaging about 3 sacks a game. Haven't noticed any bugs really, I thought I saw something, but it must not have been that big since I don't remember it anymore.

[DeToxRox]

Note: All stats include bowl games

QB's first ..

- 5 QB's threw for 4,000 yards, while 2 more threw for over 3900. The QB's who threw for this many yards were all from pass happy schools.

- The most pass yards per game was 372. Only 5 QB total had more then 300 yards passing per game. 2 others were at 290.

- Tebow was the only QB who completed over 70% of his passes. Only 8 other QB's completed more the 60% which actually seems really low without checking actual NCAA stats.

[DeToxRox]

You have a butt plug for the 360? That HAD to be made by EA...

Yep, and you know why I know? MBBF hasn't tried to steal it .. yet.

[DeToxRox]

Rushing time ..

- 12 RB's carried over 300 times. A handful of others had 290 plus.

- 3 RBI cracked 1500 yards. Again, the teams with the highest rushers were generally teams who run a decent amount.

- 5.3 YPC lead the Nation. 9 guys cracked over 5 yards a pop.

- 19 rushing TD's lead the Nation. 6 guys had over 15 TD.

- No RB had a 90 or longer TD.

- 128.5 YPG lead the Nation. 21 players had over 100 YPG.

- 52 broken tackles lead the Nation.

[DeToxRox]

Receiving time

- 111 catches was tops in the Nation. 6 Players topped the 100 grab mark.

- 1492 yards was tops in the Nation. Over 50 players had 1000 yards in the air, which seems absurdly high. It was probably closer to 60. I am not sure how that even works considering how most QB's didn't break 4000 yards.

- 15 TD was the tops. Around 30 guys had more then 10 TD. Again, seems high but that one isn't nearly as bad as the 1000 yard guys.

- 5 guys had TD catches over 90 yards, with two players going 98 yards.

- 147.5 YPG was tops in the Nation. Next was 124.3. There were 16 guys averaging 100 YPG or better.

- 14 drops lead the Nation. 10 others had 10 or more.

[DeToxRox]

Blocking

- 51 pancakes topped the Nation. Only one other played had 50.

- It should be noted that of the top 15 or so leaders in pancake blocks, all of them were RT. Most of the top 25 were all RT except for a few C and RG's. I'm assuming the CPU just runs right all the time.

- 16 sacks allowed lead the Nation.

[DeToxRox]

Defense

-119 tackles was tops in the land. 19 guys had over 100. There seems to be a lot higher tackle numbers this year then last.

- 31 TFL was the number for the top of the Nation there. It was accomplished by the same guy who lead the Nation in tackles no less. 19 players had 25 or more TFL.

- 7 INT lead the Nation. It was a 3 way tie for the lead. 12 total had over 6 INT with a slew of others at 5. Probably about right, though I'd suspect there should be a few guys at 9ish.

- 14 sacks lead the nation, followed by 1 guy at 12, 7 at 11 and 10 guys at 10 sacks.

[DeToxRox]

Kicking

- Only one K had over 90% of FG, and that was 93%.

- No K was perfect from 50 + yards (I hear actual game play this is different) that attempted at least 5 FG.

[DeToxRox]

Misc

- Net yards per punt was around 36 at the top which sounds good.

- 7 or 8 guys had 40 + inside the 20 which is high to me.

- Only 3 guys had 2 KR for TD and 1 guy had 3 PR for TD.

That's about it. I'll check All Americans really quick to see if those are still broken to hell.

[DeToxRox]

All Americans

For year one the Small School kids who made AA deserved it, as their stats were far superior to guys from bigger schools. It seemed like a good mix of stats, playing on good teams and being that much better at a position then another guy as far as criteria for making AA, but it was only one season.

That said the one season was a lot better then anything I recall last year in the game.

[DeToxRox]

Okay with that done I am going to play a game on All American with just 5 minute quarters for now. I'm using Michigan vs Va. Tech, even toying with some heavy rain to see if weather actually means anything this year.

[DeToxRox]

Couple of impressions

- I lost 14-7 to VT on All American. I found it far easier to run the ball then pass, as the passing is a bit different. The view is wider so it makes it harder to see longer patterns develop, this should help some of the human passing get leveled out, or at least it will for me for a while.

- The rain actually matters. I sacked Tyrod Taylor once when he slipped going back and got decked. I also had a WR miss a pass because he bit it coming out of his cut.

- DB's and Safeties are faster at jumping routes. It wasn't super LB style but they were pretty damn fast.

- The screen passes are already a bit tougher to use. They aren't as quick to develop, but it was only one game.

- Pursuits are a lot better but not perfect. No 20 yards extra though because the D wants to run next to you.

- Pass rush is a mixed bag. If you want a pass rush I suggest using player lock, it's great. I found it to be more fun then just using a DB and scoring user picks. I used Brandon Graham, 94 OV DE, and he was stout, though it wasn't domination. Sometimes the OL are just maulers but if you time a spin move you're gonna have a free path unless an RB is there.

- Some new OL techniques in certain formations. At times VT's OT's were basically playing behind the OL with TE"s on the LOS.

- The game is smoother, and it seems like some ratings mean more. My best WR who has great acceleration could cut a lot faster then other guys who didn't have that quickness.

- It's early but I do like it more then I thought I would at this point. It's for sure not perfect and like I said it is one game, but the whole thing seems smoother then 09 was, and stuff that worked in 09 with regularity didn't work in the first game. That said, still plenty of time for other stuff to emerge.

[ColtCrazy]

Okay, just finished my first game.

Xbox 360/Default Difficulty/IU (me) 16, Purdue 0.

Several things I noticed:

I always play on All-American, so I was expecting to win on the lower level, just wanted to see how things played out. I was able to move the ball decently well, but only got 1 TD. IU's not the best of teams, but I thought Purdue's D got better in the red zone.

My stats:
Passing 20-28 209 0 TD 2 INT
Rushing 24-78-1 TD

Purdue
Passing 17-23 175 0 TD 1 INT
Rushing 14 - 0

Passing:
* Best new animation. If you are hit when throwing the ball, the ball actually may go end over end about 5 yards in front of you. 1 of my picks was a DL grabbing one of my ducks after my QB got hit.

*Corner routes and out routes aren't as easy, but doable if you mix it up.

*pass blocking was bad, but that just may be IU. I'll try other teams to see.

Rushing
* option attack is a mixed bag. Got one good run of 30 yards thanks to go WR blocking. Had a couple of -4 yard runs because of excellent coverage. Nice to see it's not money (and IU is a decent option team, the QB has some speed
* couldn't run up the middle, but that IS IU. :)

Defense
*Got some pressure on their QB. Got 2 sacks. One coverage and one when I rushed both LBs up the weak side.

*They couldn't run, but the CPU never can on default. It'll still be a slider issue, though several key rushing downs I called run blitzes

*They spread the ball around, hitting short routes when I started blitzing more. CPU seemed to adjust to the blitzing some.

Overall, a step up from 09. I'll enjoy this one. Will play more soon...if anyone has a question (or team suggestions) LMK.

I'm going to test the name thing really quickly too. I remember you could sign up to get your name in the game. I did, just to hear my kids in the game. Going to see if that made it.

[DeToxRox]

Oh yeah as far as passing, the QB's will flat out miss throws. An incomplete just isn't from hitting the QB as he releases the ball, or causing a WR to drop it.

And returns are already tougher. The coverage teams are at the ball much quicker and take far better pursuit angles.

[Honolulu_Blue]

- I lost 14-7 to VT on All American..

As an alumn, I am calling for your resignation, sir.

[Mike1409]

I saw Mike1409 playing it last night. Any FOFC impressions?I got the midnight release played 1 game online with my son who is at school at USC.
there were over 3000 on line and there was no lag.

Overall thru my limited play I like the game. Passing seams a little harder money routes like the curl can be stopped. I could't run out of the shotgun very well, but Tebow could sprint behind the line so I could get outside, also if I sat in the pocket there were holes between the DT and the DE's. 2 back running ws succesful for him but my stick skills are below average.

He set his defense to aggresive and got a lot of facemask penalties. On default he issed a 40 yd FG so that was good.

I found a bug. down 7 with 1 minute left I lined up offsides, after the play while he decided wether to take the penalty the clock kept running and he ran out the clock.


I have rad a lot of the comments on OS and think this game will be a lot of the thing we disliked about 09. I think it is worth getting for those improvements but there is a way to go.

[ColtCrazy]

Neighbor friend came over and we played a good game

Texas A&M (me) 25, Notre Dame 22.

Game seems to just flow better than 09. Both of us could move the ball, but there were big defensive plays...including a tip ball when the QB was hit, my DL caught it and rumbled in 10 yards for the score.

Very few "whatever" moments where the impossible seems to happen. He had one spectacular catch, but everything else fit the flow of the game.

It's early, but I am impressed so far.

[Kodos]

Enjoyed my first game. Definitely seems more polished gameplaywise. But I can't run for crap so far.

[MizzouRah]

Just remember that all the folks who are STILL playing in the NCAA 09 dynasties are not having any fun because that game was horribly broken and impossible to have fun with...

.. and I just traded my copy of 09 for 10 and had been playing up to this point..


2010 impressions.. the demo must have been some alpha build or something, because it plays different to me and looks much better to me - could be because I am playing with a young Mizzou squad vs Florida or Oklahoma :)

Default AA seems really good out of the box - game is definitely much tighter than 09 and so far the passing game is much better feeling to me.

LOVE the player lock feature on defense and will use this exclusively when playing my dynasty...

VERY early playing time.. but I have all next week off!

[RainMaker]

You guys are starting to get me interested in this with the positive impressions. I do love college football and the fact the seasons are shorter for someone who plays all his games.

I'm still waiting a week or two to make sure I don't read about a bug that blows up your console when entering week 3 of season 2.

For those who are playing on All-American, does it feel like a level you can play at all year? My biggest gripe with the game last year was that All-American got too easy and Heisman was just unrealistic. I'd love a mode in between.

[illinifan999]

I'm still waiting a week or two to make sure I don't read about a bug that blows up your console when entering week 3 of season 2.



I'm in week 7 of season 2 and no console destroying bug yet. ;)

[Kodos]

I also love the player lock feature. Although I sure screw things up with it. :)

I think coach-only guys will really like this game.

[DataKing]

I also love the player lock feature. Although I sure screw things up with it. :)

I think coach-only guys will really like this game.

Am I correct in assuming, then, that the passing game will actually work without player intervention? I only ask because, in the Demo, the QB would just stand there like a statue.

[Kodos]

I believe so. I read that it does -- haven't actually tried to myself.

[JonInMiddleGA]

FWIW, my son is just messing around with it on easy at the moment, trying to squeeze an exhibition game in before hitting the pool (if it doesn't rain).

Just from watching him, I don't like the new camera angle much, I do like the switch to a field display during super sim mode. He's already declared player lock as being "pretty cool", the running game as being horrible. And I've already seen more bad passes by both teams in the first half than I'm used to seeing in 2-3 games.

edit to add: Having the sky get progressively darker after halftime with what must have been a 3:30 or 5pm kickoff is a nice touch I don't think was in the previous version.

[Dr. Sak]

I bought the game last night and am looking forward to hopefully getting a game in today after work.

[Kodos]

I did find the camera annoying when I completed a ball down the field. It was hard to judge where my guy was in relation to the pursuing defenders.

[MizzouRah]

FWIW, my son is just messing around with it on easy at the moment, trying to squeeze an exhibition game in before hitting the pool (if it doesn't rain).

Just from watching him, I don't like the new camera angle much, I do like the switch to a field display during super sim mode. He's already declared player lock as being "pretty cool", the running game as being horrible. And I've already seen more bad passes by both teams in the first half than I'm used to seeing in 2-3 games.

edit to add: Having the sky get progressively darker after halftime with what must have been a 3:30 or 5pm kickoff is a nice touch I don't think was in the previous version.

Yes, progressive lighting is back/new this year.

[Ksyrup]

Man, the lack of buzz/comments about this game so far is amazing. I've got a month to tell the family whether to pick this up for my birthday, so hopefully you guys will have messed around enough with it by then to have a solid opinion. Otherwise, I'll have to seek out some of those boards.

[TargetPractice6]

I'd pretty much written this one off because I don't have a 360 or PS3, but then I noticed there is a PS2 version. Anyone know anything about this? Does the PS2 version lack anything other than eye candy?

Also, I haven't been in the NCAA loop since 06. Have there been any big additions to the series in the last four years?

[PurdueBrad]

I am probably what you would refer to as an NCAA fanboy most years but this year, not so much. It does play better than the demo but it feels like it is little more than a $60 patch to be honest.

Improvements-
The progressive lighting looks good
Some minor presentation upgrades (Erin Andrews, the bands, etc)
Some minor pursuit angle tweaks (still seeing some problems here)
Improved QB play (the passes coming out bad when hit, some air-mailed balls, although I'm not really finding it any harder to pass)

Disappointments
Pursuit angles are still a problem as far as I can tell (not as bad, but still bad)
None of the new stuff (teambuilder, etc.) really grabbed me
Don't notice a graphics upgrade
Presentation is still fairly atrocious (and I like the guys that do the pbp, but it feels old)

I guess, looking at that list, the improvements seem good but for $60, I guess I hoped for more. In fact, this is the first time that I really feel like I paid for very little more than a roster upgrade.

If 09 didn't exist, I would give this an 8.5, maybe a 9.

Since this is 09 v2.0, I have to give it about a 7.

[ColtCrazy]

09 was the first NCAA I had really enjoyed in a few years, so seeing the improvements in 10 make me pretty happy. I know if I get judgmental about it, it's really version 9.5. But the improvements sold me. I've loved every game I've played so far...and will spend tonight on AA trying to work on some sliders. I'll be impatiently waiting for some rosters to get my dynasty going.

[MizzouRah]

Man, the lack of buzz/comments about this game so far is amazing. I've got a month to tell the family whether to pick this up for my birthday, so hopefully you guys will have messed around enough with it by then to have a solid opinion. Otherwise, I'll have to seek out some of those boards.

Well, for me.. I'm waiting on named rosters and the RL football season to start getting into swing.

I'm off though next week and will play a bunch of games and post my thoughts.

EDIT: the ps3 patch appears to be out (mainly fixing the sliders)

[Radii]

I've not been following on OS at all... are there reports about recruiting at all so far?

The issues I had last year were:

a) recruit generation - 432415 4 and 5* recruits at skill positions and sometimes zero talented O-linemen and kickers and punters.

b) the CPU being completely stupid about how it recruited, not capable of recruiting for need at all, leading to them going after 10 WRs since those were the most talented players and ignoring the line altogether.


I'm still leaning pretty heavily against picking this up any time in the near future myself, but my stick skills aren't all that great to begin with, a more level recruiting playing field could make it challenging/fun for me in single player w/ limited house rules

[Kodos]

I'd pretty much written this one off because I don't have a 360 or PS3, but then I noticed there is a PS2 version. Anyone know anything about this? Does the PS2 version lack anything other than eye candy?

Also, I haven't been in the NCAA loop since 06. Have there been any big additions to the series in the last four years?

On Operation Sports, the report is NCAA 10 is crap on the PS2. NCAA 09 was fairly well liked, I believe. Probably better off going with that.

[panerd]

If I have never owned an NCAA game what do you guys think about the purchase? If hear how it compares to '09 but if I don't own '09 my guess is that it is pretty good, rgith?

Would love to hear more of Mizzourah's or MBBF's impressions of the Tigers. Should I buy an old copy of '09 where they dominate or try to deal with the Blane Gabbert era? I would put my level of gaming skill on par with the guy who always posts about how he can't win in Hearts or Minesweeper. :)

Are KU's ratings as overdone as the national press seems to think they will be?

[PurdueBrad]

If I have never owned an NCAA game what do you guys think about the purchase? If hear how it compares to '09 but if I don't own '09 my guess is that it is pretty good, rgith?

Would love to hear more of Mizzourah's or MBBF's impressions of the Tigers. Should I buy an old copy of '09 where they dominate or try to deal with the Blane Gabbert era? I would put my level of gaming skill on par with the guy who always posts about how he can't win in Hearts or Minesweeper. :)

Are KU's ratings as overdone as the national press seems to think they will be?

If I had never played either, the one to buy is 2010. As an avid player of '09, the lack of some decent leaps forward hurt it for me (and is probably a result of some of the backlash you're seeing with reviews).

[RainMaker]

Has anyone simmed 5 years ahead and seen how the rosters and recruits look? I like going deep into dynasties.

[MizzouRah]

If I have never owned an NCAA game what do you guys think about the purchase? If hear how it compares to '09 but if I don't own '09 my guess is that it is pretty good, rgith?

Would love to hear more of Mizzourah's or MBBF's impressions of the Tigers. Should I buy an old copy of '09 where they dominate or try to deal with the Blane Gabbert era? I would put my level of gaming skill on par with the guy who always posts about how he can't win in Hearts or Minesweeper. :)

Are KU's ratings as overdone as the national press seems to think they will be?

Well, MBBF never plays NCAA FB.. so you will have to wait for mine. :)

Playing 09 was actually really fun because we finally had a good team to play with. My best year was after Maclin and Daniel graduated as I recruited (well I let the CPU do all of that) a top WR who was even better than Maclin and broke all of his records, including winning a heisman for me. I was undefeated in my 5th year when my 360 went under the knife and once I got it back I bought a bigger HD and for some reason my save was corrupt.. very sad day in my house. :D

The pursuit angles were not good in 09 but honestly that didn't bother me because for me, it was one hell of a fun game. I've been soooo disappointed in next gen football games and 09 finally brought that fun feeling back. Great thing too since college football is my favorite sport right next to hockey. :)

I've played 10 some more and I can already tell Gabbert has a stronger arm than Chase (that was apparent in NCAA 09 as well), so it should be fun.. BUT the game really makes you think alot more due to some of the gameplay fixes they have implemented. I also think player lock will take me some time to get used to as I can now only see what is in front of me.

Once the named rosters are out, I'll start my dynasty on AA defaults and let you know what I think vs 09.

[DeToxRox]

So I just simmed 5 seasons to see how dynasties looked down the road. Here is a run down going into the season:

A lot of A+ overall teams, mostly the big names:

Alabama, Penn State, Texas, Georgia, USC, Nebraska, Michigan, Oklahoma, Florida State and Ohio State.

Here is a breakdown of the highest rated guys per position:

QB - 96 (1)
RB - 99 (1)
FB - 96 (1)
WR - 99 (1)
TE - 98 (1)
LT - 99 (2)
LG - 99 (1)
C - 99 (3)
RG - 99 (3)
RT - 99 (1)
LE - 99 (2)
RE - 98 (2)
DT - 99 (4)
LOLB - 99 (3)
MLB - 99 (2)
ROLB - 99 (1)
CB - 99 (3)
FS - 97 (1)
SS- 97 (1)
K - 90 (1)
P - 90 (1)

I'll check more into this if people have specific Q's but it's late and my minds shot right now so I am not sure what else to look out specifically.

[Kodos]

EDIT: the ps3 patch appears to be out (mainly fixing the sliders)

People seem to be very pleased with the slider fix. Too bad it looks like the 360 patch won't be until next Tuesday or so.

[Groundhog]

Has anyone simmed 5 years ahead and seen how the rosters and recruits look? I like going deep into dynasties.

Or if 5 seasons ahead teams with slow ass QBs are running the option or a ton of QB run plays just because their QB on the start-of-game rosters had 89 for speed?

Actually, don't bother checking that, I'm sure I know the answer already... :)

[bhlloy]

So I just simmed 5 seasons to see how dynasties looked down the road. Here is a run down going into the season:

A lot of A+ overall teams, mostly the big names:

Alabama, Penn State, Texas, Georgia, USC, Nebraska, Michigan, Oklahoma, Florida State and Ohio State.

Here is a breakdown of the highest rated guys per position:

QB - 96 (1)
RB - 99 (1)
FB - 96 (1)
WR - 99 (1)
TE - 98 (1)
LT - 99 (2)
LG - 99 (1)
C - 99 (3)
RG - 99 (3)
RT - 99 (1)
LE - 99 (2)
RE - 98 (2)
DT - 99 (4)
LOLB - 99 (3)
MLB - 99 (2)
ROLB - 99 (1)
CB - 99 (3)
FS - 97 (1)
SS- 97 (1)
K - 90 (1)
P - 90 (1)

I'll check more into this if people have specific Q's but it's late and my minds shot right now so I am not sure what else to look out specifically.

If you get a chance, can you see how many 3+ star K/P/C/FB there are in the current recruiting class? That was a big time bug last time in dynasty mode and if there are still only a couple of guys over 2 stars at those positions then that will be disappointing...

I'm also interested to see if the "reverse recruiting/nonsense recruiting" bug for those positions is still in there (I'm convinced there was such a thing after years of losing FB and K/P recruits to teams like Fresno State and Akron even when every single recruiting pitch was in my favor) but that's probably something for people to figure out way down the line.

[DeToxRox]

If you get a chance, can you see how many 3+ star K/P/C/FB there are in the current recruiting class? That was a big time bug last time in dynasty mode and if there are still only a couple of guys over 2 stars at those positions then that will be disappointing...

I'm also interested to see if the "reverse recruiting/nonsense recruiting" bug for those positions is still in there (I'm convinced there was such a thing after years of losing FB and K/P recruits to teams like Fresno State and Akron even when every single recruiting pitch was in my favor) but that's probably something for people to figure out way down the line.

Just searching 3* and highter ..

C - 68 (22 of which are 4* or higher)
FB - 48
K - 16
P - 16

That's probably right as far as IRL but I do know exactly what you mean as far as in recruiting in the game you do get screwed in a sense because of the lack of quality guys there. I think this is decent but I am not sure how in line with 09 it is.

[DeToxRox]

Here's an example of the top 10 recruits in 2013 (I think that's what year, could be 2014)

#1 - MLB (6'3, 237)
#2 - HB (6'1, 225)
#3 -CB (5'11, 160)
#4 - SS (6", 182)
#5 - TE (6'2, 239)
#6 - ATH (6'3, 180)
#7 - HB (5'10, 193)
#8 - MLB (6'1, 242)
#9 - CB (6", 192)
#10 - CB (6'2, 180)

One thing I noticed though is only one recruit in the entire Nation as A+ speed, and he is a JUCO WR. I just went to All Prospects and sorted by speed. Hell, only two guys have just A speed. Looks like they really toned that one down.

[DeToxRox]

Also, looking at the rosters:

- 1 player has 99 SPD
- 2 players have 98 SPD
- 1 player has 97 SPD

They have definitely toned down all those absurdly fast players from last year.

The fastest QB has 90 SP, then a few at 89 and 88.

[bhlloy]

Thanks - all very encouraging news. The breakout of 3*+ players at those positions is a million times better than 09, and the lack of A/A+ speed players is also good. I guess that's a hack so they didn't have to change the game engine at all - but whatever works...

Also very nice that there are 2 MLB and 1 TE in the top 10. Those were under-populated positions last year as well.

[RainMaker]

Here's an example of the top 10 recruits in 2013 (I think that's what year, could be 2014)

#1 - MLB (6'3, 237)
#2 - HB (6'1, 225)
#3 -CB (5'11, 160)
#4 - SS (6", 182)
#5 - TE (6'2, 239)
#6 - ATH (6'3, 180)
#7 - HB (5'10, 193)
#8 - MLB (6'1, 242)
#9 - CB (6", 192)
#10 - CB (6'2, 180)

One thing I noticed though is only one recruit in the entire Nation as A+ speed, and he is a JUCO WR. I just went to All Prospects and sorted by speed. Hell, only two guys have just A speed. Looks like they really toned that one down.

My only concern with that is no OL or DL. That was a big problem last year. Are the lines OK years down the road?

[Balldog]

On Operation Sports, the report is NCAA 10 is crap on the PS2. NCAA 09 was fairly well liked, I believe. Probably better off going with that.


Sounds like they didn't do anything with the PS2 version, they didn't even bother updating some team's rosters from what I am reading.

[Eaglesfan27]

People seem to be very pleased with the slider fix. Too bad it looks like the 360 patch won't be until next Tuesday or so.

Per reports on OS:

Apparently, they now have separate sliders for pass rush and run defense instead of a break block slider and they reportedly work well and a good pass rush is back if you want it (actually with pass rush slider at 100, people are calling it a "relentless pass rush.") Also, the QB accuracy slider no longer has an effect on throwing power which is good and it works very well. At 0 accuracy, people are reporting 3 of 15 passing in a half with very good QB's.

Edit to add: It has been confirmed that the patch adds an option to turn off all DLC in online dynasties as well.

2nd edit: People are reporting that the slider penalties really work well also. Dozens of penalties with sliders at 100. Sounds like it will be the first year where I don't have every penalty slider at 100.

[MizzouRah]

Per reports on OS:

Apparently, they now have separate sliders for pass rush and run defense instead of a break block slider and they reportedly work well and a good pass rush is back if you want it (actually with pass rush slider at 100, people are calling it a "relentless pass rush.") Also, the QB accuracy slider no longer has an effect on throwing power which is good and it works very well. At 0 accuracy, people are reporting 3 of 15 passing in a half with very good QB's.

Edit to add: It has been confirmed that the patch adds an option to turn off all DLC in online dynasties as well.

2nd edit: People are reporting that the slider penalties really work well also. Dozens of penalties with sliders at 100. Sounds like it will be the first year where I don't have every penalty slider at 100.

This is good news, but I still HATE sliders. :D

[BigDPW]

I played briefly last night though one and half exhibition games only on default difficulty (Varsity). I was impressed by the gameplay improvements. Pursuit angles are much better, passing is much more varied. No money dig routes this year. WR/DB interaction is improved alot. Punt and kickoff returns are much harder. Not all herky jerky with speed guys dominating like 09.

I will post more later when I finally get a chance to dig into it a little more.

I would like to try out against a human and with my cousin coming over tonight I might get that chance.

[BigDPW]

Dola - anyone catch the "Chew Clock" feature? Is that accelerated clock like deal or what.

Also it looks like you can do Supersim and "watch plays" meaning that it may be a little like coach only mode? Though I didn't try it and you may not call the actual plays with that.

[heybrad]

I bought this last night. My views may be a bit skewed as I haven't bought this game since around 2004 so this is a giant leap for me. I started a Road to Glory game last night as a HB. It was pretty fun. Tonight, I'd like to get into a true dynasty and I'd also like a crack at playing somebody online (somebody that plays a realistic style).

[CraigSca]

Dola - anyone catch the "Chew Clock" feature? Is that accelerated clock like deal or what.

Also it looks like you can do Supersim and "watch plays" meaning that it may be a little like coach only mode? Though I didn't try it and you may not call the actual plays with that.

I still haven't bought 2010 yet, but these two features are typical of EA's "Half-Assed Implementation Modus Operandi".

Chew Clock is great - except when you're playing the CPU because they don't use it. That's right, YOU can chew the clock all you want and get accurate T.O.P.s for your side, but the CPU will continue to take 12 secs of the play clock and and start the play immediately.

Supersim - supersim doesn't use any chewing of the clock at all. So, if you're playing a 7-8 min game against the CPU and you're blowing out your opponent say, 42-0, you can supersim the 2nd half and have both teams call plays every 12 secs and win 91-14.

[ColtCrazy]

I did a test last night. I created a RB with 99 speed to see if I could dominate a game like in 09. In 09, I have a 70 rated RB on New Mexico St. with 97 speed. He averaged 10 yards a carry and would decimate even top ranked defenses.

With my 99 RB experiment, I was Notre Dame and I played Purdue, a decent defensive team...not great.

Stats: 31 carries, 142 yards, 2 TDs. A dominate game, but no where near the whacked out stats you could get in 09. Only 1 run went for over 20, and that was a 30 yard run.

This was encouraging. Purdue adjusted to account for the outside runs. I did also notice the set up play works well. Twice I got to 100% set up on play action passes and both times I had big pass plays from it. A few times I ran play action on less than 30% set up and got sacked a majority of the time. That's a cool feature.

[MacroGuru]

Curses....I...must..resist...this...purchase.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I did also notice the set up play works well. Twice I got to 100% set up ...

The what?

I didn't notice this last night while casually watching my son, nor do I recall seeing it mentioned in any of the half dozen reviews I've read.

Do tell please.

[Kodos]

On the playcall screens, some plays can be set up by your previous playcalling. If you've run a lot, it can set up a playaction pass. You'll notice under certain plays that it says "play is now 27% set up" or something like that.

[JonInMiddleGA]

On the playcall screens, some plays can be set up by your previous playcalling. If you've run a lot, it can set up a playaction pass. You'll notice under certain plays that it says "play is now 27% set up" or something like that.

Damn, me likey (in concept anyway, opinion of execution reserved)

[RainMaker]

On the playcall screens, some plays can be set up by your previous playcalling. If you've run a lot, it can set up a playaction pass. You'll notice under certain plays that it says "play is now 27% set up" or something like that.
I like it a lot except I don't think they should tell you how well you have it setup.

[BYU 14]

On the playcall screens, some plays can be set up by your previous playcalling. If you've run a lot, it can set up a playaction pass. You'll notice under certain plays that it says "play is now 27% set up" or something like that.

That is a sweet feature.........I wish I could incorporate that into a real game, I would be Coach of the year :)

[Ksyrup]

Yeah, that sounds kinda cool.

[DeToxRox]

My only concern with that is no OL or DL. That was a big problem last year. Are the lines OK years down the road?

In the top 100 there are:

5 QB
9 RB
1 FB
10 WR
7 TE
4 OT
5 OG
3 OC
4 DE
4 DT
6 OLB
5 MLB
16 CB
6 FS
7 SS
1 K
1 P
6 ATH

I might've miscounted but that's this class. Looking at all rosters there is a solid (20ish) guys each in the 90's across all the OL's.

[DeToxRox]

I'll sim another season and post the next recruit class later on.

[BYU 14]

I'll sim another season and post the next recruit class later on.

I think your first numbers look pretty good, a little heavy on the DB's but not terrible in terms of OL quality.

[wade moore]

I asked this in the MP forum, I'll ask here.

Is recruiting unplayable without the DLC? My impression was that things we relied on in the past wouldn't be there without getting the DLC?

[DeToxRox]

Going into the 6th season, here is first a breakdown on the top ranked players per positon:

QB: 95 (1)
RB: 99 (1)
FB: 98 (1)
WR: 98 (1)
TE: 95 (1)
LT: 97 (1)
LG: 96 (1)
C: 99 (2)
RG: 99 (1)
RT: 99 (3)
LE: 99 (1)
RE: 99 (1)
DT: 99 (4)
LOLB: 99 (2)
MLB: 99 (3)
ROLB: 99 (1)
CB: 99 (1)
FS: 98 (2)
SS: 99 (1)
K: 89 (2)
P: 89 (3)

Just 4 teams are at an A+ now, and still only 1 player has 99 SP.

[DeToxRox]

Recruiting Top 10

#1 - OG
#2 - DT
#3- CB
#4 - WR
#5 - MLB
#6 - WR
#7 - OG
#8 - MLB
#9 - HB
#10 - WR

[DeToxRox]

# of Top 100 Per Position

QB - 3 (1 5*)
RB - 13 (6 5*)
FB - 0
WR - 8 (5 5*)
TE - 4 (2 5*)
OT - 5 (1 5*)
OG - 7 (5 5*)
OC - 2 (0 5*)
DE - 6 (1 5*)
DT - 8 (4 5*)
OLB - 8 (1 5*)
MLB - 5 (3 5*)
CB - 16 (6 5*)
FS - 3 (2 5*)
SS - 6 (1 5*)
K - 2 (0 5*)
P - 0
ATH - 3 (0 5*)

[DeToxRox]

Also to note, there were 0 A+ SPD players, and only 5 A SPD guys.

[JetsIn06]

I asked this in the MP forum, I'll ask here.

Is recruiting unplayable without the DLC? My impression was that things we relied on in the past wouldn't be there without getting the DLC?

I'm wondering this too, Wade.

[SirFozzie]

from what I understand, all the recruiting stuff is ADD-ON, the advisor gives you additional information, the extra pipeline state, etcetera

[JetsIn06]

I'm wondering if the recruiting stuff that was in the game last year is still there.

[illinifan999]

I'm having no trouble recruiting. You can search by players who have you listed as their top school, top 3, top 5, top 10. You call to find out what pitch they care about, and you're also able to "quick-call" and choose how long you talk which will affect how many pitches you learn about.

[wade moore]

I'm having no trouble recruiting. You can search by players who have you listed as their top school, top 3, top 5, top 10. You call to find out what pitch they care about, and you're also able to "quick-call" and choose how long you talk which will affect how many pitches you learn about.

Can you see the listing of their top 10 schools, in order, with the interest level bar?

[SirFozzie]

Yep

[sterlingice]

I did a test last night. I created a RB with 99 speed to see if I could dominate a game like in 09. In 09, I have a 70 rated RB on New Mexico St. with 97 speed. He averaged 10 yards a carry and would decimate even top ranked defenses.

Correct

Stats: 31 carries, 142 yards, 2 TDs. A dominate game, but no where near the whacked out stats you could get in 09. Only 1 run went for over 20, and that was a 30 yard run.

Not correct

(Ok, I'll go away now. I've never understood this grammar error- they're completely different parts of speech, one being a verb and one an adjective)

SI

[BrianD]

Correct



Not correct

(Ok, I'll go away now. I've never understood this grammar error- they're completely different parts of speech, one being a verb and one an adjective)

SI

Dominate/dominant...not quite a homophone, but close. My guess is that people hear the words on TV, but haven't read them anywhere to actually see the difference.

[ColtCrazy]

Correct



Not correct

(Ok, I'll go away now. I've never understood this grammar error- they're completely different parts of speech, one being a verb and one an adjective)

SI

#1 reason I try to reread things before posting. That time I obviously didn't since it doesn't even sound right! :eek: Nice catch.

[Kodos]

But not a dominate catch.

[Ajaxab]

Correct



Not correct

(Ok, I'll go away now. I've never understood this grammar error- they're completely different parts of speech, one being a verb and one an adjective)

SI

I just about 'loose' my mind when I see this one. ;)

You know you've seen the loose/lose too may times when you see someone actually using 'loose' correctly and you automatically read it as 'lose'. The interwebs are messing with my reading practices.

[Mike Lowe]

Need help remembering...NCAA currently counts a sack as a rush attempt for the QB or is it strictly a SACK and not a rushing attempt (which would be positive or a running play tackled for a loss).

Thanks! Trying to determine how many minute quarters to use and I'm not sure if sacks are already being counted as QB rush attempts.

[Atocep]

Need help remembering...NCAA currently counts a sack as a rush attempt for the QB or is it strictly a SACK and not a rushing attempt (which would be positive or a running play tackled for a loss).

Thanks! Trying to determine how many minute quarters to use and I'm not sure if sacks are already being counted as QB rush attempts.

A sack counts as a rush attempt and minus rushing yards for the yards lost on the play.

[Mike Lowe]

So a QB could have 100 rush attempts and 32 sacks against. He could NOT have 32 sacks against and 18 rush attempts or something like that right? Rushing attempts must always be greater than or equal to rushing attempts for QB?

[Atocep]

So a QB could have 100 rush attempts and 32 sacks against. He could NOT have 32 sacks against and 18 rush attempts or something like that right? Rushing attempts must always be greater than or equal to rushing attempts for QB?

The way I understand the rules, that's correct. Intentional grounding even counts as a rushing attempt and yards lost based on where the penalty occurred.

[Mike Lowe]

Well, simmed a season and Michigan ran 1,213 plays including pass attempts, rush attempts, FG attempts and punts. That comes out to be just over 93 plays a game. Still seems high unless there have been some changes to way NCAA is calling games this year. This is the only team I have checked.

[Mike Lowe]

Georgia Tech ran just under 84 plays per game going 9-4. Michigan went 8-5 btw.

[Mike Lowe]

Eastern Michigan 83 plays per game going 2-10. Seems to be a bit high, but honestly as long as my games I'm playing match, I'm cool with things. Chalk it up to some fictitious rule change made by the NCAA. Not a gamebreaker that's for sure, at least to me it isn't.

This has all been post patch #1.

[Mike Lowe]

Other misc findings after perusing stats from one simmed season (for use with slider adjustments):

Shouldn't see a QB averaging 2 INT's a game. 21 led the nation.

Completion % for QB's topped out with one player at 70% (Heisman winner from Central Michigan)

RB's shouldn't average more than 1 fumble per game. One player had 13.

Seems RB's shouldn't be breaking more than 4 tackles per game.

WR's should not average more than 1 drop per game. Leader had 11.

OL should not be over 4 pancakes per game. Looks like 3.75 or so would lead the nation (estimate).

As mentioned earlier, LB's are the leading tacklers! wOOt!

Top 5 TFL are from DL!

12 sacks lead the nation?!?!? Seems low or no?

8 INT's lead nation, a handful of guys with 7 (as reporter earlier)

21 deflected passes led the nation.

7 was # for individual forced fumbles (careful with that "force fumble" gameplan!). Most recovered by a team was 18, twice.

22 touchbacks led for K's. I guess if you're knocking two into the endzone or more a game, you DEFINITELY need to lower your kickoff sliders (check your K's leg strength too though).

P with the highest average was 44.9. 4 players were over 44 yards on average. Longest P was 92 yards WTF?!?!?

Not too shabby. Hopefully these help a few people in figuring out their sliders before starting a dynasty.

I wish EA would develop a system like OOTP, where you could set the number of "x" you'd like to see in a season. That way the game could play up to that standard. Taking things further, your game could automatically adjust the settings to your gameplaying ability to MATCH these pre-determined settings. I know Madden sort of tried this, but without any rationale to keep the output in line, it worked average at best.

50 sacks was the most by any one defense.

27 INT's was the most by a defense.

163 penalties for 1,275 yards was the highest. 13 games played for this team (12.5 penalty avg, 98 yards avg)

85 penalties and 683 yards was the lowest (2 different teams). 12 games for each. (7 penalties avg, 57 yards avg)

41 giveaways (13 games) were the most by a team. 8 was the fewest (12 games).

40 takeaways (13 games) were the most by a team. 10 was the fewest (12 games).

Turnover DIFF was high of 17 and a low of -22.

I hope these are useful to someone! Happy slider adjusting!

[JonInMiddleGA]

12 sacks lead the nation?!?!? Seems low or no?

Not to me. 2008 real-life leader (Jerry Hughes-TCU) was 15 last year, one player had 14, one at 13.5, two at 13. but all of those were in 13 games, so 12 seems pretty reasonable.

P with the highest average was 44.9. 4 players were over 44 yards on average. Longest P was 92 yards WTF?!?!?

Real life record is 99 yards, so that's just one fluky bounce if it happens only once in a few years

[Eaglesfan27]

Some very early impressions (i.e. after just 1 game):

- Some people think it is harder than last year and some easier. I definitely think it is harder. I can't remember ever getting beat last year on All-American without sliders heavily favoring the CPU. For my first game, I always play USC vs UCLA or ND. I figured I wanted a challenge, so I went with ND. They just beat me 23-20 with 7 minute quarters on default All-American.

Here are some key stats:

Corp was 16 of 27 for 168 yards with 0 TD's and 1 INT before he was hurt.

Mustain was 2 of 3 for 72 yards and a TD as he connected on a bomb to Johnson as time was expiring.

Clausen was 21 of 34 for 261 yards with 1 TD 1 INT.

All of the QB's were a bit too accurate in my opinion, but that should be easily fixable with the sliders that are being reported on OS.

- The WR/DB interaction is a thing of absolute beauty - best I've seen in any EA game. It's great seeing both parties really fight for the ball. I also love seeing some of the WR's stumbling and slipping as they are jostled at the line of scrimmage. When ducks are thrown, which I threw a few as I was being hit, it is great seeing all of the players in the area fighting to get back to the ball.

ND's HB had 18 carries for 65 yards. I've heard some criticism of the CPU run game on default, but that doesn't seem bad at all against my USC defense.

McKnight was tearing it up until he got hurt for 11 weeks on his 7th carry (sadly, that seems realistic.) He had 7 carries for 63 yards. Gable came in and had 17 carries for 71 yards and a TD.

- The running game I thought was nicely done on both sides. I love how guys fight for yardage now after initial contact and sometimes get clocked doing it.

Big WR's actually seem to be valuable as it seems like (and from what I read there is a magical weight which I won't post in case people don't want to see it) there are some special power back/receiver animations for when they have the ball. As a result, my big TE had 2 very nice plays where he got himself an extra 5-10 yards. Speaking of my TE, he was my leading receiver with 6 catches for 106 yards. He had 60 yards on one play where they came with an all out blitz and he was wide open down the middle of the field, but their faster corners tracked him down and tackled him from behind. I don't think that would have happened last year.

- Pursuit angles are much better. Not perfect, but much better and I'm happy with how they are now. College players shouldn't always take a perfect angle.

Speaking of which, differences between guys in the secondary are really noticeable. Taylor Mays is a beast in this game. He's outrun everyone on USC's team in practice and they gave him the highest speed rating of any USC player in this game. He is a blast to control, so fast and such a fierce hitter. He led my team with 10 tackles and had 2 passes defended. Linebackers were 2nd and tied for 3rd with 7 and 6.

Not too many pancakes from the OL ;)

- The CPU didn't try to run any stupid zone read option with Clausen.

- Speaking of which, I think they jobbed Corp of some speed, but it was much harder to run with a decent speed QB this game. I'm going to try a game controlling Pryor next to see how different his passing and running feel.

- The CPU sacked me a few times, but the pass rush felt weak most of the game. I'm looking forward to jacking that up once the slider patch is released for the 360.

- I was disappointed that USC's playbook was almost exactly the same as in 09.

I'm just happy to have seen a real defensive struggle for most of the game with only a few big plays and a fun challenging game. Now, I'm looking forward to trying out Pryor even though I'm sure I'll feel dirty afterwards.

[JetsIn06]

Just picked this up. Anyone up for a game?

[JetsIn06]

Created an FOFC room if anyone wants to play.

Edit: password is trout

[SirFozzie]

damn, Pissed I missed out on the S8 style dynasty, anyone want to do an Army-Navy one or other such small college one?

[Eaglesfan27]

Fun game between Ohio State and Michigan. I thought Pryor was a bit too accurate on the short passes, but he was terrible when I threw it long. He had one long TD run of 52 yards, but after that they kept a spy on him on almost every play and generally contained him. He finished with 16 carries for 101 yards and a TD as well as 10 of 19 passing for 135 yards with 0 TD's and 1 INT (have to be very careful about throwing when getting hit.) Ended up winning the game 38-32 after a high scoring first half that had us up 31-29.

I like that they made it so the icons disappear when you drop back too far, which I forgot was in the game until it happened. I also like the different camera angles on roll outs that make it harder to see the opposite side of the field when you roll out to one side too far.

[gstelmack]

On the perfect weight thing, how about a spoiler tag?

[Eaglesfan27]

Sure.



People are reporting that players over 226 can do a few different power moves that others cannot. However, they are less effective with jukes and other agility moves.

[Grammaticus]

Does the right stick make the DL use either the finesse or strength move based on which he is higher rated?

[Eaglesfan27]

Does the right stick make the DL use either the finesse or strength move based on which he is higher rated?

I believe the instruction manual said it made him do different moves based on which direction you press and hold. I think it does spin moves to either side if you press that direction and if you press down it does a power move. I forget what it does when you press up.

[Eaglesfan27]

Lanteri87 should have 360 rosters done by this afternoon or evening. He is just giving every player their correct name. He isn't editing ratings, adding missing players, or anything else.

"EPIC BBQ" is adding (and subtracting) players, re-rating a few players, correcting numbers and such as well as naming them. However, there are some posts in a thread on OS that imply that the group is getting burnt out and may stop midway through. Right now, they have done a little over half of the teams.

[MizzouRah]

Thanks EF.. then I can at least get a few games in before waiting on the patch next week. (hopefully)

[Eaglesfan27]

DLowery on OS who is leading the "EPIC BBQ" set has said they are still working on them and the group of them are "moving fast, be excited" so maybe those rosters will be out this weekend as well.

[Ajaxab]

Just been doing some reading on OS about player progression in Dynasty. There's a lot of moaning about how players progress too quickly combined with the fact that the default rosters have freshmen rated pretty highly already. But the potentially most helpful thing I read had to do with the importance of the Awareness rating over and above the Overall. I'm going to see how much of a difference favoring the high AWR makes when it comes to who I play and who I recruit. Sounds like the poster who made the point might be on to something...

[MizzouRah]

Looks like Lanteri87 has about 8 more teams left to do.

[MizzouRah]

Only two teams left and there are about 2400 people viewing the NCAA forums over at OS.

If those users bought the game, that's $144,000 right there. What is that like 1% of their sales?

[Eaglesfan27]

Only two teams left and there are about 2400 people viewing the NCAA forums over at OS.

If those users bought the game, that's $144,000 right there. What is that like 1% of their sales?

I think the last version sold a little over a million copies. If that is correct, it would be less than 0.25% of their sales. Still, that is the most I've ever seen on OS at one time. I'm looking forward to downloading the rosters and starting my dynasty in the morning.

[DeToxRox]

People who DL'd Lanteri's rosters to see how they stood aren't very receptive. I personally haven't looked at them but I guess a lot of teams are not correct and he just guessed on guys names. Obviously it's not all his fault because the stock rosters were bad, but some guys say he is using players who graduated last year and such.

Just something to check before you get too immersed and realize it.

[Grammaticus]

Sounds like the "EPIC BBQ" group will be the one to get.

I added names to just one team (Ole Miss) for a single player dynasty to mess around with while waiting. Took a long time because the stock rosters are awful. They had 90% of the freshman wrong. I'm sure it is tedious doing all of the teams.

[MizzouRah]

I'll download the Lanteri87 rosters and check out my Tigers in a bit.

[Captain2711]

Can anyone explain how to download and use these rosters properly. I seem to be doing it properly but I can't tell if there are any roster changes. I've downloaded and uploaded several rosters and none seem to take effect. I'm wondering if I am missing the final step or something. I know the named rosters are not complete but was hoping to just get a partial.

[DeToxRox]

Can anyone explain how to download and use these rosters properly. I seem to be doing it properly but I can't tell if there are any roster changes. I've downloaded and uploaded several rosters and none seem to take effect. I'm wondering if I am missing the final step or something. I know the named rosters are not complete but was hoping to just get a partial.

Once you DL'd them and saved them, did you go load them?

[BYU 14]

Are the default rosters really as screwed up as it seems form the feedback I have read? (Players that graduated still there, class years wrong, etc)

[DeToxRox]

Are the default rosters really as screwed up as it seems form the feedback I have read? (Players that graduated still there, class years wrong, etc)

The main problem is the lack of freshman. Teams have their early enrollees and some of their top incoming recruits and that's about it. EA did new rosters that are better but still not great. I forgot where you can DL them from but those are the ones roster makers are using for names.

[Captain2711]

Once you DL'd them and saved them, did you go load them?

Not sure. I uploaded and downloaded. I just got my 360 so I am a little unfamilar with the process.

[DeToxRox]

Not sure. I uploaded and downloaded. I just got my 360 so I am a little unfamilar with the process.

Once you DL them and save them, go to My NCAA and then to file management (I think that is the name) then use LT until you see rosters and load the file you DL'd.

[Captain2711]

Once you DL them and save them, go to My NCAA and then to file management (I think that is the name) then use LT until you see rosters and load the file you DL'd.

Thanks. Worked like a charm.

[DeToxRox]

Thanks. Worked like a charm.

No problem.

[Eaglesfan27]

I'll download the Lanteri87 rosters and check out my Tigers in a bit.

How did they look? USC is missing a few good freshman, but I know that there isn't any team that can have all of their players due to the 69 man roster limitation built into the game. Overall, I'm happy with the USC roster and the rosters of most of the top 25 schools that I've looked at. Really, they are the only ones I care about for my USC dynasty.

[RainMaker]

Did FCS schools finally make it into next gen?

[Eaglesfan27]

Did FCS schools finally make it into next gen?

No, although you can build and import them with teambuilder (but there is a limit to how many teams you can import.)


I decided to just start messing around with a dynasty even though I'll probably start a new one if better rosters come out in a week or two. I'm very happy to see a much better spread of talent. There is actually a monster FB in my first class who is in the top 15 and a few good FB's, although the talent drops off quickly after them. Nice to see some good kickers in the class as well. Also, the 40 times and combines in general are so much more realistic.

[MizzouRah]

How did they look? USC is missing a few good freshman, but I know that there isn't any team that can have all of their players due to the 69 man roster limitation built into the game. Overall, I'm happy with the USC roster and the rosters of most of the top 25 schools that I've looked at. Really, they are the only ones I care about for my USC dynasty.

I think there are at least one or two sophomores that are labeled as freshman in the game, but that's EA's fault.

Everything else looks good to me.. I'm going to play a game tonight on AA defaults, using 8 min quarters against Kansas.. will report back later tonight.

[JonInMiddleGA]

No, although you can build and import them with teambuilder (but there is a limit to how many teams you can import)

Are those only as replacements for existing teams in dynasty mode or can you actually increase the number of playable teams? Or for that matter, are the imports even playable in dynasty mode (I'm under the impression they are but haven't tinkered with it to find out for sure).

[Ajaxab]

Are those only as replacements for existing teams in dynasty mode or can you actually increase the number of playable teams? Or for that matter, are the imports even playable in dynasty mode (I'm under the impression they are but haven't tinkered with it to find out for sure).

Teambuilder teams can only replace existing teams in dynasty mode and the limit is 12 replaced teams. So whether you buy the additional Teambuilder slots or happen to get one of the codes for an extra 13 slots from someone who didn't use their Gamestop preorder code, you're still only allowed to use 12 at a time. It would have been cool to be able to create a fictional universe, but 12 team at a time limit means you're pretty much confined to swapping out one conference.

But you can use any Teambuilder team in dynasty mode. It seems like it works well from what I can tell so far.

[RainMaker]

That kind of sucks. With every team playing against FCS schools, they should be in the game. I mean it's like the 4th or 5th game on this console and they still haven't been able to port it over.

[CraigSca]

That kind of sucks. With every team playing against FCS schools, they should be in the game. I mean it's like the 4th or 5th game on this console and they still haven't been able to port it over.

Yes, but at least you can change your created player's sock's polyester content percentage.

[Kodos]

So whether you buy the additional Teambuilder slots or happen to get one of the codes for an extra 13 slots from someone who didn't use their Gamestop preorder code, you're still only allowed to use 12 at a time.

Are you sure about that? I was under the impression that you could use as many slots as you have.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Abner posts on issues with player progression and recruiting mechanics..........

The Nut and the Feisty Weasel: NCAA 10: How Important is Dynasty Mode? And How Can EA Fix It? (http://nutweasel.blogspot.com/2009/07/ncaa-10-how-important-is-dynasty-mode.html)

[Kodos]

That's it. I'm selling the game!

[Ajaxab]

Are you sure about that? I was under the impression that you could use as many slots as you have.

You are able to use as many slots as you have to create as many teams as you want, but you can only use 12 at a time in dynasty mode. The game only allows that many swaps with existing teams.

[wade moore]

Abner posts on issues with player progression and recruiting mechanics..........

The Nut and the Feisty Weasel: NCAA 10: How Important is Dynasty Mode? And How Can EA Fix It? (http://nutweasel.blogspot.com/2009/07/ncaa-10-how-important-is-dynasty-mode.html)

While I don't disagree with what Abner writes, none of this is news. And if they made these changes, I think some people would freak out. Think of FOF - a lot of people don't like the down side of progression - the console people would freak out even more.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

While I don't disagree with what Abner writes, none of this is news. And if they made these changes, I think some people would freak out. Think of FOF - a lot of people don't like the down side of progression - the console people would freak out even more.

There's a lot of layers here. I agree with you concerning the 'console freak-out'. They want to keep those people happy. On the other hand, sales continue to decline, so keeping those people happy obviously isn't good enough. With the decline in sales comes less money to work with for next year's version. You're not going to invest a lot in that game with declining sales. It's a rough cycle that EA is in right now with this franchise. They need to bite the bullet similar to what Madden has done this year to bring fresh faces and ideas into the development team. It may not work, but it's a better option than status quo in this case.

[Big Fo]

So guys is it slightly better or significantly better than last year's game?

[Eaglesfan27]

So guys is it slightly better or significantly better than last year's game?


I think it is too early to say still as more severe issues than what Bill Abner has posted could appear in dynasty mode or other warts could still appear, but from the games I've played this weekend (put in 10-12 hours), it is significantly better in gameplay and I'm happy I purchased it.

[wade moore]

There's a lot of layers here. I agree with you concerning the 'console freak-out'. They want to keep those people happy. On the other hand, sales continue to decline, so keeping those people happy obviously isn't good enough. With the decline in sales comes less money to work with for next year's version. You're not going to invest a lot in that game with declining sales. It's a rough cycle that EA is in right now with this franchise. They need to bite the bullet similar to what Madden has done this year to bring fresh faces and ideas into the development team. It may not work, but it's a better option than status quo in this case.

I'm curious to see how Madden sales go. How much of the "sales issue" is merely about a game going through a natural eb and flow. It peaked and now it's going to plateau out at some point? There's a lot more gaming options these days, even if there aren't a lot more sports games options. There's a point where even if they make a lot of improvements, it's still another football game.

Anyway. I'd love for them to make Bill's changes, I'm just not sure that it increases sales in any significant way, and potentially decreases sales.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I'm curious to see how Madden sales go. How much of the "sales issue" is merely about a game going through a natural eb and flow. It peaked and now it's going to plateau out at some point? There's a lot more gaming options these days, even if there aren't a lot more sports games options. There's a point where even if they make a lot of improvements, it's still another football game.

Anyway. I'd love for them to make Bill's changes, I'm just not sure that it increases sales in any significant way, and potentially decreases sales.

There's a lot more gaming options? There's one NCAA football and one NFL football game. In the past, that was good enough to be a cash cow for EA. Not anymore.

I do think Madden will reverse its 3 year slide this year and there's little doubt that it will be due to better buzz in the gamer community surrounding the fresh approach to the game. I'm still not a believer until I see it in action, but it's hard to deny that they are at least trying to do a better job.

[wade moore]

There's a lot more gaming options? There's one NCAA football and one NFL football game. In the past, that was good enough to be a cash cow for EA. Not anymore.

Read much?

"There's a lot more gaming options these days, even if there aren't a lot more sports games options."

I'm talking about gaming period, not football games - or even sports games. And I specifically said that in my message.

[Big Fo]

I wonder if the lesser installed base of PS3s and 360s vs. PS2s and XBoxes in the middle of last generation has an effect on NCAA sales.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Read much?

"There's a lot more gaming options these days, even if there aren't a lot more sports games options."

I'm talking about gaming period, not football games - or even sports games. And I specifically said that in my message.

I don't see that as a deterrent to purchase. If the game is good enough, there's a loyal sports following that will buy it every year.

[wade moore]

I don't see that as a deterrent to purchase. If the game is good enough, there's a loyal sports following that will buy it every year.


We'll have to agree to disagree there. I think, especially right now, that gaming options play a huge factor. Especially when you're talking about what is essentially the same thing you've played for a decade or more.

[Kodos]

Or not played but bitched about, in MBBF's case.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Or not played but bitched about, in MBBF's case.

Same old tired argument with little merit. I have played the game. Played it at length this weekend.

[SirFozzie]

http://www.getreligion.org/wp-content/photos/CasablancaRenaultRick_thumb.jpg

MBBF is Shocked, SHOCKED to find faults in NCAA 10!

[Kodos]

MBBF: I'm shocked, shocked to find faults in NCAA 10.
2K Sports rep: Your bribe money, sir.
MBBF: Oh. Thank you very much. Everybody boycott EA at once!

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

MBBF: I'm shocked, shocked to find faults in NCAA 10.
2K Sports rep: Your bribe money, sir.
MBBF: Oh. Thank you very much. Everybody boycott EA at once!

Ah, to have competition again. **sigh**

[RainMaker]

There's a lot more gaming options? There's one NCAA football and one NFL football game. In the past, that was good enough to be a cash cow for EA. Not anymore.

I do think Madden will reverse its 3 year slide this year and there's little doubt that it will be due to better buzz in the gamer community surrounding the fresh approach to the game. I'm still not a believer until I see it in action, but it's hard to deny that they are at least trying to do a better job.
I think they have to reverse it just out of the sheer numbers of consoles that are now in people's homes. And the fact that it's still the most popular sport in the country and would be really tough to see it drop for a 4th straight year. I'm sure even a rise in sales is nowhere close to what they projected when they got the exclusive license. I mean they essentially killed their primary competition and had less sales to show for it. That's pretty fucking embarassing and a sign of how bad the game has been.

Then again, the economy is the big X factor. They do luck out a bit with some games like Bioshock 2 being moved to 2010, but there are still a ton of great games coming out. I was primarily a sports gamer for years till the last couple. With most sports games sucking, I've started getting into COD, Battlefield, Bioshock, and other games like that.

[SirFozzie]

Well, it's not like it's a complete monopoly. I mean, for EA to have a football Monopoly, they'd need FPS: Football, All Pro Football, Backbreaker, the Black College Football Experience, and Maximum Football to fail. What are the odds?

(note: No seriousness there, I just wanted to paraphrase a Family Guy quote)

[SirFozzie]

Ah, to have competition again. **sigh**

Wait.. so you're being bribed by both Sony AND 2K Sports?

(again, being cocky and funny, not serious.. and to read the post before and then the post by MBBF wanting for competition, it made it look like he wanted competing bribes)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Well, it's not like it's a complete monopoly. I mean, for EA to have a football Monopoly, they'd need FPS: Football, All Pro Football, Backbreaker, the Black College Football Experience, and Maximum Football to fail. What are the odds?

(note: No seriousness there, I just wanted to paraphrase a Family Guy quote)

Mmmmmmmm, marching band mini-games.

[BYU 14]

I downloaded the Rosters last night and I can't ever remembering them being this bad. I know a lot of it is on EA and I don't to bitch about somebody who puts in their time and does them for free, but wow were they off. I think this might be because everyone puts so much pressure on these guys to get them released.

Now the real crime would be if these are the rosters that are now showing up on Ebay. Spending 45 minutes fixing BYU on free rosters I can handle. Doing that on anything I paid for would have pissed me off in a big way.

These were some of the mistakes on BYU

Several guys out of position.
3 Players I had never even heard of on the roster.
4 players that had graduated (one 3 years ago!)
1 Kid who transferred to Washington State last season
3 kids that were not on the spring Roster due to going on missions after last season
1 kid who signed an LOI but won't be allowed to enroll until January due to a disciplanry issue.
3 Players who will be sigficant contributors not even on the roster (in 2 deep after spring ball)
1 player who switched from TE to LB before last season, still listed at TE.
Eligibility years all screwed up (This on is entirely on EA and there is no excuse for that, ever.)Fuck, I would volunteer my time to EA to check all the MWC Rosters for accuracy and not, just to get it right because little things like this, when combined with other things continue to drive people away, no matter how nice the eye candy is.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I downloaded the Rosters last night and I can't ever remembering them being this bad. I know a lot of it is on EA and I don't to bitch about somebody who puts in their time and does them for free, but wow were they off. I think this might be because everyone puts so much pressure on these guys to get them released.

Now the real crime would be if these are the rosters that are now showing up on Ebay. Spending 45 minutes fixing BYU on free rosters I can handle. Doing that on anything I paid for would have pissed me off in a big way.

These were some of the mistakes on BYU

Several guys out of position.
3 Players I had never even heard of on the roster.
4 players that had graduated (one 3 years ago!)
1 Kid who transferred to Washington State last season
3 kids that were not on the spring Roster due to going on missions after last season
1 kid who signed an LOI but won't be allowed to enroll until January due to a disciplanry issue.
3 Players who will be sigficant contributors not even on the roster (in 2 deep after spring ball)
1 player who switched from TE to LB before last season, still listed at TE.
Eligibility years all screwed up (This on is entirely on EA and there is no excuse for that, ever.)Fuck, I would volunteer my time to EA to check all the MWC Rosters for accuracy and not, just to get it right because little things like this, when combined with other things continue to drive people away, no matter how nice the eye candy is.

Dear BYU 14,

I totally agree.

Sincerely
Sam Keller

[gstelmack]

Same old tired argument with little merit. I have played the game. Played it at length this weekend.

Then when do we get your impressions rather than you quoting other impressions?

[BYU 14]

Dear BYU 14,

I totally agree.

Sincerely
Sam Keller

Well played, but I sincerely hope that did not factor in.

Despite my mini rant, I think the passing game/pass defense is greatly improved and and the computer running game is solid on default. I thought it would suck, so I jacked the sliders in the CPU's favor and promptly moved them back to default after San Jose State's TB torched my D for 100+ yards in the 1st quarter.

Player lock takes some getting used to, but is really cool as well IMO.

[Big Fo]

Wait.. so you're being bribed by both Sony AND 2K Sports?

2K obviously doesn't come around here when the yearly baseball games are released.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Then when do we get your impressions rather than you quoting other impressions?

I didn't see much difference between the 09 and 10 version. I saw two plays where the bad pursuit angles reared their ugly heads. I was able to replicate the bug listed over on the OS forums where you kick the ball out of bounds short of the goal line but it flies over the extended goal line and it results in the ball being spotted at the 20. I also had auto sub issues where the starting RB was subbed out in the 2nd quarter and didn't return. All of these have already been reported, so I didn't feel the need to report them again.

Announcing is getting VERY tired. I also saw a play where a receiver glided (best term for it) 5 yards without moving his legs. Couldn't replicate that, so I don't know what the hell that was all about.

Didn't have a chance to do any dynasty, so I can't speak to it personally.

[Captain2711]

I had a weird glitch. I had an interception for a TD and was called for a chop block on the return, so I took the offense on the +45. I then proceeded to throw an incomplete pass and the announcers said the try for 2 was no good. Apparently I had scored, had no celebration and was penalized 42 yards. It ruined my 2 point conversion % dammit!!

[BYU 14]

I had a weird glitch. I had an interception for a TD and was called for a chop block on the return, so I took the offense on the +45. I then proceeded to throw an incomplete pass and the announcers said the try for 2 was no good. Apparently I had scored, had no celebration and was penalized 42 yards. It ruined my 2 point conversion % dammit!!

Ugh, did you actually get points, or just an announcong glitch?

[Atocep]

I find it somewhat amusing that people want both realism and perfect pursuit angles in a college football game. One of the biggest things that stands out when watching college and NFL football is the difference in pursuit.

I'm not suggesting that NCAA 09 and 10 have poor pursuit for that reason, but perfect pursuit (or anything close to it) is not college football.

[wade moore]

Oof.

I just played my first full (5 min quarter) game.

There are so many little things that frustrate me.

One for instance - there's NOTHING in your playcalling screen (I do by playtype) that shows what formation you're in.. wtf?! I end up with the TE split out when I want a WR, etc.

You guys are talking about pass rush. I don't know WHAT you're talking about. I played UT against LSU and LSU had like 8 sacks on me. If we're going to start cranking up pressure for OD's I could be screwed.

Anyway... just a lot of little slight things that annoy me. In the end, I'm not sure that it really feels that different. I noticed at least one MINOR presentation bug still stuck in there - if a team fumbles, but recovers. .then on their next drive it will say, "let's see hwo they recover after their last drive ended in a fumble"..

I'm just not encouraged at all and I really don't understand why people are so hyped after this one game.

I do reserve the right to change my mind after I play more.

[Eaglesfan27]

I find it somewhat amusing that people want both realism and perfect pursuit angles in a college football game. One of the biggest things that stands out when watching college and NFL football is the difference in pursuit.

I'm not suggesting that NCAA 09 and 10 have poor pursuit for that reason, but perfect pursuit (or anything close to it) is not college football.

Completely agreed and I think pursuit angles are actually well balanced in this game. Every player has a pursuit rating, and I've noticed my guys who are very high in this rating (such as Taylor Mays) take consistently better angles than some of my younger guys who have a low rating in pursuit who sometimes take very good angles and sometimes are a bit off.

[Eaglesfan27]

Oof.

I just played my first full (5 min quarter) game.

There are so many little things that frustrate me.

One for instance - there's NOTHING in your playcalling screen (I do by playtype) that shows what formation you're in.. wtf?! I end up with the TE split out when I want a WR, etc.

You guys are talking about pass rush. I don't know WHAT you're talking about. I played UT against LSU and LSU had like 8 sacks on me. If we're going to start cranking up pressure for OD's I could be screwed.

Anyway... just a lot of little slight things that annoy me. In the end, I'm not sure that it really feels that different. I noticed at least one MINOR presentation bug still stuck in there - if a team fumbles, but recovers. .then on their next drive it will say, "let's see hwo they recover after their last drive ended in a fumble"..

I'm just not encouraged at all and I really don't understand why people are so hyped after this one game.

I do reserve the right to change my mind after I play more.

The CPU gets pressure fine if you don't constantly mix in fake snaps, they just do it via jumping the snap or via a blitz. However, even with USC's very good defensive line I have trouble getting pressure on the CPU unless it is via a blitz or jump the snap. I can do it with the aggressive D-Line setting which makes your team automatically jump their snap at times. However, without jump the snap or a blitz, both sides generate poor pressure even when the D-Line has a much higher rating.